Asamoah Gyan scores on China debut, fires team top of table

Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan had a debut to remember for his new club Shanghai SIPG when he netted the winner.

It was heading for a draw against Tianjin Teda when he scored with ten minutes of the match to play. The result got the side to the top of the standings after 19 games with 41 points.

Their closest challengers, Beijing Guoan, were beaten 3-1 on Wednesday by Shanghai Shenhua, giving Gyan’s team even more impetus to get a victory.

But it did not start well.

Shanghai went a goal down in the 36th minute courtesy Hernan Barcos. Halftime finished with Gyan’s new team behind.

But their comeback began in the 59th minute when Davi expertly converted a penalty to draw the game level before Asamoah Gyan found the net after 80 minutes to fetch all three points for his side.

A dream debut for the Black Stars captain who will be hoping to build upon this impressive start to his career in China.

Hoping for more

The former Sunderland striker last week completed the move to the Chinese club, with reports suggesting his wages are in excess of £225,000 per week.

The 29-year-old signed a two-year contract, ending a four-year stint at UAE champions Al Ain.

Various reports say the deal will see him earn £227,000 per week – a substantial pay increase after earning a weekly salary of £160,000 in UAE.

Expectations

Before the game, the player had spoken of the pressure he’s facing to meet his employers’ confidence.

“Expectation is high because the news of my arrival shook the place. This is a big challenge for me but I am focused and people know what i can do. My success here depends on me going out there and doing what they signed me for,” he told All Sports.

Gyan’s debut will dispel notions that he is not fit, following the swiftness with which he’s had to transition from holidaying in Ghana to the playing fields of China.

“He [Sven Goran Eriksson, the team’s coach] spoke to me about my fitness and I told him I am just back from a holiday . He understands where I am and I am working hard in the gym to get myself match ready”.

Next week will see the big game between Gyan’s SIPG and second-placed Beijing Guoan.